H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak in Chennai: Are Humans at Risk?

Chennai is on a high alert after hundreds of dead crows have been found across the city, with laboratory tests confirming the presence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. The Central government has asked the Tamil Nadu administration to intensify surveillance, biosecurity, and disease-control measures to prevent the further spread among wild birds, domestic poultry, and even humans. There have also been reports of crow deaths from various city areas like Adyar, Velachery, Thiruvanmiyur, and Old Mahabalipuram Road, which triggered investigations by animal health teams. The collected samples were sent to the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, where tests confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in dead birds.

Following the confirmation, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying wrote to the Tamil Nadu chief secretary, informing the state about the outbreak and asking authorities to step up biosecurity measures.

What is H5N1 bird flu?

Bird flu happens from a type of virus that spreads among birds and other animals. You might hear about bird flu when there’s an outbreak affecting large numbers of birds or other animals. This is concerning because it can increase the risk of human infection, affect wildlife, and reduce the food supply. There have been ongoing cases of human infections in the US since 2024.

Can humans be affected?

Even though bird flu outbreaks are not uncommon in India, every new cluster raises the same question: Can it spread to people? H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza that primarily affects birds, particularly domestic poultry such as chickens and ducks. Infected birds often die suddenly, which is why authorities move quickly to cull affected flocks, restrict movement, and disinfect farms. In Chennai, animal health officials have activated surveillance zones and biosecurity protocols to prevent further spread. For humans, while the risk remains low, it cannot be zero. Human infections typically occur through direct, close contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of H5N1, which is a major reason why health experts are not sounding a public health alarm at this stage. Most past human cases globally were linked to poultry workers or people handling sick birds without protective gear.Also read: Chennai Is on Alert: H5N1 Bird Flu Confirmed After Crow Deaths

What are the H5N1 symptoms in humans?

Symptoms in humans, if infection occurs, range from fever and cough to severe respiratory illness. However, casual exposure like consuming properly cooked poultry or eggs is not a threat, as the virus is destroyed by heat. Authorities advise the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, report unusual poultry deaths, and follow hygiene measures like regular handwashing. Poultry workers are urged to use protective equipment and seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop. And so, the Chennai outbreak is primarily an animal health issue, not a human epidemic. Vigilant monitoring, transparent reporting, and calm public awareness remain the best tools to ensure the virus stays confined to birds, where it belongs.